Smarter management of CCTV can ensure cameras do the job they are designed for

video surveillance plays a key role in fighting crime & protecting public spaces

Axis Communications, the global leader in the network video market asks how many of the UK’s reported six million cameras in public spaces are managed as effectively and efficiently as they could be.

It is clear that video surveillance plays a key role in fighting crime and protecting public spaces. However, its role can be improved and better management will ensure the cameras capture quality footage of incidents that can be used to identify and apprehend offenders. CCTV regulation is also among the many issues that the Coalition Government has already set out to address.

Phil Doyle, regional director, Northern Europe, Axis Communications said: “In the main, public space surveillance cameras do the job they have been installed to do, but where there are issues with CCTV systems, it tends to be because there are too many cameras producing poor quality footage which is badly managed, and in some cases the cameras don’t even work.

“It’s very likely that the reference to large volumes of surveillance cameras delivering no, or bad, images, is impacted by the number of unused video devices or by those that were installed years ago and never really properly maintained – with users not knowing that they can achieve significantly better coverage.

“The time has come to cleanse the install base, ridding it of those cameras that are unused, unmaintained and unnecessary. Taking action will be a positive step to help roll back on what many perceive to be a ‘surveillance state’.”

It is important to remember that CCTV is used as a deterrent against crime as well as playing a role in the investigation of it. CCTV footage is regularly used in reconstructions, identifying offenders and making high profile calls for public support.

 Advances in technology mean that surveillance has moved on a long way from what many refer to as simply ‘CCTV’, with modern systems having many benefits including:

· Capturing better quality footage – High definition (HD) network cameras capture better quality images

· IP-based cameras provide images that can be shared easily between security professionals, including the police force in the event of an incident – Images can be found quickly and shared instantly over a network without the need to trawl through hours of video footage

· More effective and efficient use of cameras and equipment – Network security systems can be managed remotely, quickly detecting technical faults or broken cameras. Easy to install cameras mean that they can be moved to different locations as and when they are needed as risks change.

A good example of a well managed IP-based surveillance system is that installed by Breckland District Council in the five town centres that are part of its district. The council opted for a wireless system so that it can easily relocate the cameras as risks change. The council anticipates that it will also help to save police time and resources, as the system allows them to log on remotely to view both live and recorded evidence rather than having to travel to the control room.

Doyle concludes: “It is important that surveillance in public spaces becomes smarter and delivers the intended service to the community. It should be seen as a guardian angel, and in order for that to happen, people need to see how better surveillance results in lower incident levels and a safer community.”

For more information about Axis’ range of network video cameras and applications, please visit www.axis.com  Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/AxisIPVideo  

About Security Buyer

Security Buyer is the leading authority in global security content, delivering expert news, in-depth articles, exclusive interviews, and industry insights across print, digital, and event platforms. Published 10 times a year, the magazine is a trusted resource for professionals seeking updates and analysis on the latest developments in the security sector.

To submit an article, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact our team below.

Rebecca Spayne picture 2025

Rebecca Spayne

Managing
EDITOR

Georgina Turner image

Georgina Turner

Sales
Manager

Afua Akoto image - Security Buyer

Afua Akoto

Marketing Manager

Read the Latest Issue

Follow us on X

Follow us on X

Click Here

Follow us on LinkedIn

Follow us on LinkedIn

Click Here

Advertise here

Reach decision makers and amplify your marketing

Advertise here

Click Here

Related News

Big Interview Abdullah Tanoli

Big Interview – Hero of Leicester Square

Rebecca Spayne of Security Buyer has the privilege of speaking with a real-life hero, Abdullah Tanoli, the hero of Leicester Square..
SentinelOne & AWS - Security Buyer

SentinelOne Teams with AWS to bring Cloud Security Protection

SentinelOne announced that it is a launch partner for the new AWS Security Hub. The new collaboration builds on a long standing..
Genetec - Security Buyer

Genetec and Hanwha Vision

The latest in our ongoing series introducing Hanwha Vision’s pioneering partners, leads us to Ben Durrant, Account Executive at Genetec Inc.
Altronix - Security Buyer

Altronix POE367 Delivers 277VAC Support

Altronix has expanded its power product line with the new POE367 power supply/charger designed specifically for 277VAC input environments.
IFPO x GSA - Security Buyer

New Corporate Members for IFPO

The Global SecurAlliance (GSA)summer meeting on 16 June was held again at the stunning Château de Méry-sur-Oise on the outskirts of Paris.
SB Awards register now advert - Security Buyer

Launching Security Buyer Awards

Honouring innovation, leadership, and success across the global security industry at the Security Buyer Judges’ and Readers’ Awards 2025 
Product Spotlight - HID

Product Spotlight – HID

Access control is evolving into a smart, responsive platform—integrating embedded apps, IoT, and cybersecurity to deliver…
Genetec

Genetec brings new capabilities to Security Center SaaS

Genetec announced new updates to Security Center SaaS, the company’s enterprise-grade Security-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution..
I-Pro

i-PRO Launches Revamped EMEA Partner Program

i-PRO announced a major expansion of its EMEA Partner Program. The move supports i-PRO’s long-term growth strategy and…
ASIs international

ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

ASIS International, a leading authority in security standards, is excited to announce the release of its revised American National Standards.
Scroll to Top